If you don't already have one - I believe that to drive one's 4WD on the beaches along the NJ shore requires a beach buggy permit. Having always walked rather than driven the beaches I'm not familiar with this permit but I seem to recall it isn't cheap.

I'm game to do a mini JAM on the NJ shore. Keep in mind the Steelhead JAM at the end of Oct. For a trip to the salt perhaps we should consider mid Oct or mid Nov putting at least a couple weeks before or after the steelhead JAM.

Fred, I'm pretty familiar with both Indian River Inlet (DE) and Barnegat Inlet (NJ). Both can fish very well and are actually very similar locations but I much prefer NJ. The fishing has just been better for me along the NJ shore. Even though it's about the same drive time for me, I don't visit MD/DE much anymore. The only exception has been for springtime weakfish - in this case I'd pick DE but for autumn stripers and blues I'd recommend Barnegat Inlet. Either side of the inlet is good. I usually stay on the north side which includes Island Beach State Park but the south side on Long Beach Island is pretty good too and has more and closer jetty fishing opportunities for a fisherman without a 4WD permit. IBSP and nearby Seaside Park are a bit more rustic and fisherman friendly (and a bit cheaper) than down at LBI. If you visit LBI, you can go up the lighthouse for the scenic view of the inlet.

Fred, I'd be delighted to show you around Barnegat. Maybe we can link up this fall. As of yesterday, the report is pretty good with lots of blufish (smaller fish 1-5lbs) and the mullet run in full swing.Check your PM.

Here's a link to a good tackle shop (and small diner - good breakfast!) that has a daily report on the fishing around Barnegat. While I am often skeptical of daily fishing reports posted by folks in the fishing business, Betty and Nicks is pretty accurate and realistic in my experience. They usually tell it like it is and have a good weather summary. Looks like today would be a nice day to be on the beach - man wish I was there!

Been trying more of the salt the past 3 years but still have only gotten out a handful of times. This spring got out on a guided trip of the barneget bay sodbanks. Tons of fun.

Haven't had a ton of luck on the IBSP jettys yet, but do have to say i like the north side jetty better. But the walk up to the jetty can be a bit of a trudge with all the gear and korkers. PLEASE if you're going to fish jettys get some studded grips for your boots.

I've stayed at the IBSP Motor lodge. It's a good place with a swanky hotel restraunt/bar. I bit more expensive than i'd like. Just don't get out enough with my 3 year old and 5 month old daughters. Maybe in about 4 years i can put some actual time in. It's some of the most fun i've had with a fly rod as well as live lining huge bunker.

I have fished IBSP for years with my uncle. He just up and moved to Florida for some fairer weather fishing(snook, reds, tarpon) so I think that I am gonna keep going on my own and get a buggy permit this year for my jeep. In the past it has always been surf fishing for me with a good bit of success but now that I have purchased a nice new Helios 9wt, I am ready for some saltwater fly fishing. I used to go to BettyandNicks.com for fishing reports down on IBSP but the other day i was checking it and the site was down. Bassbarn.com is another good site to check out if you are looking for linesiders on the fly.

Those fish better watch out Fri I just got my New Colton CRGII 8-10 reel in the mail with a matching spool and had my Elixer switch line and outbound lines all spooled up on the reel and spool today for my Beulah switch rod